Lifeguards on Beach Patrol

The council's lifeguard service is now in operation for the summer season at the two main swimming beaches in Hastings.

Cllr Dawn Poole, lead member for resort services explained:

"As the holiday season starts we are pleased to announce that the council's lifeguards are now on duty from 11am to 6pm at Pelham beach, our main resort beach and at Marina in St Leonards.

"The primary role of the lifeguards is to prevent accidents happening but should someone get into trouble they are present on these two swimming beaches to rescue. During the season they provide a lot of information to people on the beach including tide times, weather reports, sea temperatures, sun protection - offering sun cream if public don't have any, water quality, toilets and car parks. They also carry out a lot of first aid during the season too!

"They are responsible for the deck chair and sun bed hire and they advise people where dogs are allowed on the beach during the summer period.

"We want everyone to really enjoy their time at our award winning beaches so visit the two patrolled beaches to make the most of your visit."

Charity group receive free plants to raise funds

Hastings Borough Council's grounds maintenance contractor The Landscape Group has donated surplus plants to The Parchment Trust Limited and the Friary Gardeners.

Cllr Warren Davies, lead member for environment, leisure and amenities explained:

"Our contractors have done a magnificent job this year with our summer planting schemes and rather than letting the surplus bedding go to waste they wanted to donate it to a worthy cause.

"The Parchment Trust Limited is a registered charity, founded in 1993 to serve people with learning and physical disabilities in East Sussex. They provide opportunities for learning, occupation, socialising and access to the community including Friary Gardeners, a horticultural scheme for people with a variety of disabilities.

"The Friary Gardeners will be able to sell the plants on to raise much needed funds for their charity and we are pleased to be able to support this very worthy cause."

Green flags fly high over Hastings

Three parks in Hastings and St Leonards are among the very best in the UK � and that's official!

Hastings Country Park, Alexandra Park and St Leonards Gardens were among a record-breaking 1,582 parks and green spaces to receive the prestigious Green Flag Award on Thursday, 23 July.

This national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Cllr Warren Davies, lead member for leisure and amenities said:

"We are delighted to receive the Green Flag accolade for excellence year on year as a testament to the quality of our parks in Hastings, a truly exceptional achievement.

"These green spaces are essential to happy, healthy communities and are fundamental to our quality of life and we are proud that residents and visitors are benefitting from green spaces of the very highest quality.

"I would like to thank our grounds maintenance contractors, The Landscape Group for their tireless efforts in making our parks and gardens look great and the park managers, staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication which has helped to create these fantastic places for us all to enjoy.

"Next week is Love Parks Week so why not get out there and make the most of these fantastic green spaces we have!"